Microsoft has launched MSN Explorer/MSN Internet Access version 9 to MSN Premium subscribers. The release is designed as an update to the service and resolves various issues brought upon by upgrading to Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Live Messenger. "If purchased separately, the services combined in MSN Premium would cost more than $350 a year and require customers to independently manage and update them," revealed Microsoft.

In MSN Premium 9.5, the Redmond Company has introduced the Microsoft Phishing Filter and anti-spyware technology with Webroot Spy Sweeper for MSN. The update additionally features upgrades to the latest version of MSN Virus Guard and MSN Firewall. "Now, more than ever, MSN Premium is your central location for connecting with the people and information you care about most," stated Microsoft.

MSN Premium 9.5 also contains the Standard Edition of Digital Image Suite, an upgrade over PictureIt! Express 9.

"This is a big surprise since Microsoft has been so aggressive in segregating services from content between Windows Live and MSN, respectively. However, if version 10.0 comes along, we might see Windows Live Premium/Explorer instead. We probably won't see Microsoft discontinue MSN Explorer until Windows Live Mail Desktop and other services launch in final versions, since MSN will need to transition customers to the new software," comments LiveSide.